Guards claim Francis Atwoli is an empty ‘debe’

Security guards have lashed out at Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) boss, Francis Atwoli, accusing him of neglecting them.

A representative of the guards accused Atwoli of going to bed with employers, claiming that Cotu had shown no interest to address the challenges that face them.

“Every time, Atwoli just makes noise and issues threats. He has never been interested in understanding the myriad problems that face guards,” charged Basilis Likalai, the national deputy secretary general of Kenya Private Security Workers’ Union (KPSWU).

Likalai challenged Atwoli to direct his energy to the plight of workers instead of engaging in politics.

“Guards want good pay and respect, but each year, Atwoli does not recognise them during Labour Day celebrations,” complained the official.

The union’s national secretary general, Isaac Andabwa, warned that many guards risk being disenfranchised during the next General Election, since employers are withholding their original national identity cards.

“There are about 400,000 security guards in the country. But some of them are not in possession of their IDs. The vital documents are being held by employers without any valid explanation,” claimed Andabwa.

Atwoli’s personal assistant, Adams Barasa, however defended his boss against the accusations saying: “This is not true. Atwoli has pushed for CBAs with several security firms and enabled some of them to get good pay. He has been assisting in court cases facing guards. However, it should be noted that Atwoli does not negotiate for salaries. His work is to provide policy and put on notice dishonest employers,” stated Barasa.